Saturday, March 15, 2008

Compassionate Caregivers

Poor Julio has died. We noticed he was having a lot of trouble walking --- so off to the vet he went. Initally they decided that as an (ahem) older cat he was prone to constipation so gave the poor guy a series of enemas and some nasty gooey stuff to ram down his throat. Well, that didn't work and the nasty stuff had him not eating at all. Back to the vet he went. This time his not eating was causing his liver to malfunction so he needed a feeding tube (I am now having doubts about the outcome of this) and we were assured that cats tolerate these tubes well. Bear in mind that the cat can barely walk. I called Monday to check how the little guy was doing and was informed that he had passed away over the weekend. Sometimes I wonder about vets. Was this all about their bottom line or was this about providing care for my cat? I say this because when I was last there some lady was complaining about the $100 plus per month for pills for her pet. The vet overheard this and said that if money was a problem (don't you just love that attitude) the same medication in the non-chewable variety was available for $20-- since she had to put the chewable pills in food as well she thought she'd just save the $80! So here we are-- Julio is dead; we are hundreds of dollars poorer; and we put our dying cat through hell-- not a good feeling!

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Enough of my rant- I am hopeful that Spring is just around the corner! Some of the snow has melted, the sun has been sighted, and Costco has roses!
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5 comments:

Mars Crafters said...

Oh, I'm so sorry about Julio. He was a beautiful cat. Some vets don't seem to understand that these animals are a member of the family.
Our thoughts are with you and the family. Best wishes, from Meg xxx

Elle Jay Bee said...

I am so sorry to hear about your sweet kitty...and I share your distaste for the expense (sometimes unnecessary) of vets. I DO think they just go that little bit further to make a sale, and we, who love our pets, pay the price.

Take care, and I hope you are getting closer to spring than we are!

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Rest in peace sweet Julio!
Precious kitty!

I am so sorry for your loss...I know you will miss him!

ROSES... ROSES.... awwww I can't wait to see the dirt and smell the roses!
Our ground is still very snow covered.... I am waiting patiently for spring to come!

Hugz, Dolly

Unknown said...

I am so sorry about Julio! It makes me sick to my stomach just reading it. I don't know what I would do if mine got sick. I cannot believe that THEY did not call you before he passed away, so that you could come and spend time with him! It is unreal that they waited for you to call THEM on Monday! SO SAD!

Yes, Spring is finally coming! I have plant fever! But, I refuse to buy anymore plants until I know where I will be planting them! No more SPONTANEOUS buying! LOL

I cannot wait to see your roses! You will have your yard filled with beautiful flowers again, like you did before you moved! I am looking forward to watching your progress!

Mary said...

Dear Stephanie,
I'm so sorry about Julio. It's so hard to watch them suffer...

I'm looking forward to spring, too. I love roses, but unfortunately the deer around here seem to love them, too. :(
xoxo,
Mary